Western Medicine provides excellent diagnostic methods. These can include:
- blood and other fluid analysis important for measuring organ function
- accurate assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and neurological response to stimuli
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
- needle or surgical biopsy
In terms of treating cancer, Western Medicine can offer:
- Surgery to remove tumors and tissue surrounding tumors that may contain cancer cells
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells and arrest or slow cancer cell production
- Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system to fight cancer
- Radiation uses high-energy from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
Western Medicine Team Members may include:
- Primary Care Physician
- Functional Medicine Physician
- Oncologist
- Hematologist
- Geneticist
- Pathologist
- Radiation Oncologist
- Surgical team including oncological and reconstructive
- Physical Therapist
- Nurses and/or social workers
- Pharmacist
Natural and Complementary Medicine is useful to:
- Reduce stress and focus on the whole being (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual)
- Palliate side effects such as lack of appetite, fatigue, nausea, pain, and muscle weakness as a result of the disease itself and/or medical interventions used to treat the disease
- Nutritional and lifestyle support for comfort and quality of life
Natural Medicine Team Members may include:
- Naturopath (specializing in cancer)
- Homeopathic Physician
- Personal Trainer
- Nutrition Specialist or Registered Dietician
- Massage Therapist, Acupuncture or Reiki practitioner
- Hypnotherapist or Meditation Teacher
- Life Coach, Counselor, Psychologist or Clergy
Other Important Team members:
- Health Insurance contact
- Health Advocate
- Caregiver
- Family, friends, and neighbors
- Health Educators
- Other cancer survivors
- Animal companions
Wellness Considerations and Practices during the Cancer Journey:
| Balance Breathing Crying Dreaming Enjoying Nature Faith Family Friendship Giving Gratitude Happiness |
Home Hope Hugs Journaling Laughter Learning Listening Love Meditation Peace Prayer |
Reading Receiving Reflection Spirit Stretching Surrender Talking Trust Walking Water Wishes |